You thought it could never happen to you. But, now you may be lying in a hospital bed, unable to work, and with a totaled car. You might have injuries you never imagined. It is no secret that car crashes happen every day. Whether it is due to intoxication, distracted driving, or speeding, drivers may take careless actions that can have serious consequences for other drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and more. When a Columbia auto accident destroys your life, turn to the attorneys with the experience and legal savvy to help obtain full and fair compensation from the at-fault party.

For years, Peake & Fowler has been helping Columbia car accident victims like you recover the money they need after a serious crash. We represent a wide range of clients, from motorcycle drivers to bicyclists—anyone who has been affected by the trauma of an auto accident. Our South Carolina car crash attorneys are here to help you navigate the complex legal maze of personal injury claims. The insurance company is not on your side. We are.

Common causes of auto accidents

With technology taking over drivers’ attention, new drugs hitting the market all the time, and inexperienced teenagers getting behind the wheel, potential dangers are all over the road. At Peake & Fowler, our attorneys handle many types of auto accidents, including ones caused by:

• Distracted driving. From texting to putting on makeup, drivers are constantly taking their attention away from the road. Eating, drinking, smoking, making phone calls, and changing a song on the radio are all activities that divert a driver’s eyes and focus.
• The faster a car was going when it impacts another car, the more severe the crash. High-speed accidents can total cars and leave injury victims with life-threatening injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, and more.
• Drunk driving. Getting behind the wheel after having a few drinks can be a fatal mistake. Intoxicated drivers have slower reaction times, blurred vision, and reduced concentration. Drunk or drugged drivers are known to cause multi-car accidents, hit pedestrians or bicyclists, and even kill other drivers.
• Drowsy driving. Operating a vehicle while fatigued is another potentially deadly behavior. Besides the threat of falling asleep at the wheel, tired drivers can cause rear-end accidents because of reduced reaction times, veer into other lanes, or cause other life-threatening accidents.

Common injuries sustained in car crashes include broken bones, concussions, severe bruising, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and wrongful death.

Scary South Carolina car accident stats

There was 909 total fatal crashes in South Carolina, resulting in 977 fatalities, according to 2015 statistics from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). According to this report, over 600 of those fatalities were driving or passengers in an automobile, 138 were driving or a passenger on a motorcycle and 123 were pedestrians.

In other words, if you have been hurt in a crash, you are not alone. If you lost a loved one in a car crash, you are not alone. Our attorneys are here to help you.

What should you do if you are in a car accident in South Carolina?

There are some very simple steps to take after an accident:

1. Call the police and 9-1-1.
2. Do not admit any fault to the other driver or law enforcement.
3. Go to the hospital for injury treatment, even if you feel fine in the moment.
4. Call your insurance company and report the accident.
5. Follow up with your doctors.
6. Keep all medical records and bills.

South Carolina is a tort liability state, which means the not-at-fault person can pursue a claim against the at-fault party. South Carolina is also a comparative negligence state, which means you can be barred from collecting for the percentage you contributed to the accident.

Please call an attorney as soon as possible or have a loved one call on your behalf. A lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected. Do not speak to insurance adjusters or accept the first settlement offer. They are not on your side. They are in the business of making money, so adjusters may offer you a settlement for less than your case is worth.

Our auto accident lawyers at Peake & Fowler accept no upfront fees, and you only owe us compensation if your claim is successful. So, it never hurts to speak with one of our attorneys. You have nothing to lose.

What if you are involved in an accident with someone who doesn’t have insurance?

All drivers must be insured before hitting the road in South Carolina. This is the minimum amount of coverage required:

• $25,000 bodily injury per person
• $50,000 bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 property damage per accident

However, if you are involved in an accident with someone who is not insured, you should be protected by your uninsured motorist coverage.

In the state of South Carolina, you are required to carry uninsured motorist coverage. This means if a driver without insurance causes a collision, your policy should protect you from having to pay out-of-pocket for the damages. You must carry uninsured motorist coverage equal to the minimum amounts of liability coverage (25/50/25). In most cases, there is a $200 deductible.

If the person who caused your car accident does not have insurance, report the claim to your insurance company and your attorney.

Speak with a hard-hitting auto accident lawyer in Columbia right away

Most people do not know their rights. They don’t know how to handle negotiations with an insurance company. They are not sure how to get every penny they deserve. That is where the Columbia car accident attorneys at Peake & Fowler come in. Our tenacious legal team is ready to fight for you. Call us today at 803-788-4370 or complete our contact form to arrange your no-cost, no-obligation initial consult.